Archiving Activism: A Project by Breda Burns

Artist Breda Burns has been commissioned by Bealtaine Festival 2017 in partnership with Sligo Arts Office and Mayo Arts Office, to develop a sound and radio-based work, 'Archiving Activism', in response to the Bealtaine 2017 theme. A society only progresses when citizens care enough to contribute to its fabric and its future. The arts is the mortar that holds society together and counties Mayo and Sligo are particularly blessed with the contribution its citizens have made to the field. These people are often the unsung architects of a thriving society where people can access music, visual arts, and literature in so many different ways. As a response to this commission, Breda Burns will collate an archive of the vanguards of the arts community and through a series of radio interviews to be broadcast locally, an archive of ephemera relating the artist-led movement in the Sligo/Mayo region. Breda will also create an 'Archiving Activism Manifesto' with a commissioned text by author Brian Leyden in response to the archive.

Archiving Activism Drop-in Days

Were you involved in establishing or running art projects, festivals or exhibitions in either Mayo or Sligo from the 1970's through to the 1990's? If so, artist Breda Burns would like to meet you! If anyone has memories, stories or printed material they would like to share with the project or are interested in finding out more about it, Breda will hold a drop-in day on the 22nd of March in the Custom House Studios. All are welcome!